As whispers of blockbuster trades swirl around the Montreal Canadiens, the fate of former Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach is suddenly at the center of intense speculation.

Once heralded as a cornerstone for the franchise after being selected third overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Dach’s future in Montreal now appears uncertain. Recent reports suggest that the Canadiens’ confidence in Dach may be wavering, raising questions about whether the young forward will remain in red, white, and blue for much longer.

With analyst Marco D’Amico hinting that management won’t hesitate to make a move if it benefits the team’s long-term prospects, fans and insiders alike are left wondering what’s next for Dach.

His injury history and modest point production last season have only fueled rumors, while the team’s salary cap crunch adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.

Could Dach be on the verge of another trade, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?

With Carey Price’s contract also reportedly on the market and the Canadiens facing tough financial decisions, the stakes have never been higher.

The coming weeks promise answers, but for now, the uncertainty surrounding Dach’s future is impossible to ignore.

Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach Cole Caufield Nick Suzuki

Photo credit: NHL.com

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly considering moving on from former Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach, taken with the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

It looks like former Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach, who they took with the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, could soon be traded yet again.

Per analyst Marco D’Amico of The Daily Faceoff, the Canadiens could soon consider moving on from Kirby Dach.

Marco D’Amico: “Although the Canadiens feel confident that Kirby Dach will seize the opportunity, they won’t hesitate to make a move when things open up if they feel it will help them in the long term” – RG (8/31)

Dach was traded by the Blackhawks to the Canadiens during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and he was later signed to a 4 year contract in Montreal. Last year, he reached 100 career points in Montreal’s opening game against the divisional foe Toronto Maple Leafs.

He only managed 57 games last year, reaching 22 points (10G, 12A). He underwent a medical procedure in February, and there has been doubt expressed on whether he’ll be healthy enough to be available for the start of the year next month.

Kirby Dach could be a salary cap dump by the Canadiens

The Canadiens, who are also rumored to be shopping the contract of goaltender Carey Price, are several million dollars over the salary cap limit.

Right now, Dach’s contract has only a year left and carries an AAV (average annual value) of $3,362,500.

Dach has 121 career points (43G, 78A) in 269 games with the Blackhawks and Canadiens.